Steering Knuckle Installation Steps

1. Vehicle Preparation & Safety
Lift the vehicle securely on jack stands.
Remove the wheel and set the parking brake.
Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical issues (if working near sensors/wiring).

2. Disassemble Existing Components
Unbolt the brake caliper (hang it with wire—never let it dangle by the hose).
Remove the brake rotor/drum from the hub.
Unplug the ABS/wheel speed sensor (if equipped).

3. Release Suspension & Steering Links
Loosen the tie rod end nut and separate it from the knuckle using a puller.
Remove the lower ball joint nut and detach it from the control arm (use a fork tool or pickle fork).
For MacPherson struts: Unbolt the knuckle from the strut assembly.
For double wishbone: Unbolt upper/lower ball joints.

4. Remove the Old Knuckle
Support the control arm(s) with a jack to avoid strain on bushings.
Remove the axle nut (if driven wheel) and gently tap the CV axle out of the hub.
Unbolt the knuckle from the wheel bearing/hub assembly.
Carefully slide the knuckle off the axle/control arms.

5. Prepare New Knuckle & Components
Clean mounting surfaces on the new knuckle (remove rust/debris).
Inspect ball joints, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings—replace if worn.
Apply anti-seize to hub splines (if driven) and bolt threads.

6. Install New Knuckle
Position the knuckle onto the control arm(s) and struts/ball joints.
Hand-tighten all bolts loosely to allow alignment adjustments.
Reattach the CV axle into the hub (ensure splines engage fully).
Reinstall the wheel bearing/hub assembly (if separate from knuckle).

7. Reconnect Critical Links
Attach the tie rod end to the knuckle arm and torque the castle nut. Insert a new cotter pin.
Reconnect the lower/upper ball joints and torque nuts to spec.
Bolt the knuckle to the strut (MacPherson) or wishbones.

8. Reassemble Brakes & Sensors
Mount the brake rotor and caliper bracket/caliper.
Reattach the ABS/wheel speed sensor (ensure no pinched wires).

9. Final Torque & Setup
Tighten all suspension/steering bolts to manufacturer specs (critical).
Install a new axle nut (driven wheels) and stake/seal it properly.
Reattach the wheel, lower the vehicle, and tighten lug nuts in a star pattern.

10. Post-Installation Checks
Bleed the brakes (air may enter when caliper is removed).
Check steering fluid levels (if power steering lines were disturbed).
Perform a wheel alignment—mandatory after knuckle replacement.
Test drive slowly first to check for wobbles, noises, or pulling.

Essential Warnings & Pro Tips